Thursday the Cleveland News Herald came to watch my students Skype with Garth's classes.  Their purpose for coming to class was because of a larger article about the pros/cons of social networking and technology in schools.  It was a positive experience for students and myself.  While the reporter did an excellent job talking about one of the ways I use technology in my classes, several comments on the News Herald Website (bottom of linked page above) focused on cell phones and plagiarism.  This makes me think the point was lost somewhere between what I am trying to accomplish and what John Q. Public thinks are important arguments in the schools v. technology debate.
 
Its not about cheating or texting, its about changing how we teach.  It has nothing to do with using technology to adapt old methodology; we need to create new methodology.  Check out the article and leave a comment for Garth and I.  It was nice to see the media take an interest in what Garth and I are attempting to do with our students.  Positive media exposure helps pass levies, encourage parents/community leaders/students to take some educational risks and helps encourage me to keep trying to infuse technology with curriculum.

I think it is important to mention that the two students interviewed in the short movie embedded in the article, mention having fun while learning.  Students are engaged because they are enjoying the learning process.  My hope is that learning and fun become related ideas and help push students to continue learning independently from school...life-long learners!

-Mike